Gujarat likely to sign MoU for pilot project of generating tidal power

According to reports, after pioneering use of solar energy, Gujarat may well set a benchmark for tidal power generation. The state government has promoted use of renewable sources of energy and taken lead in solar power generation by cornering installed capacity of 750 mw out of total 1100 mw installed capacity pan India.

The state government is likely to sign an MoU for a pilot project of generating power from ocean. Unlike traditional tidal generation equipment,Wave Energy Conversion Equipment produces wave energy from motion of sea water by remaining submerged at depth of 40 m, thereby not hindering marine navigation as well.

Additionally, energy can be produced in a decentralized fashion, as well as by linking individual units to create a Wave Energy Park by installing units varying in capacity from 50 kilowatt (kw) to 1.5 mega watt (mw). The wave energy can be utilized round the clock and throughout the year unlike other renewable sources of energy that have seasonal variations in power generation.

At present wave energy projects are being undertaken at Castiglioncello and Gorgona in Italy, Maldives and United Kingdom. If the proposal of the Mumbai-based Spa Group of Companies is accepted, it would be the first in India.

The pilot project will cost Rs 7.5 crore with installation of one unit and may go upto Rs 125 crore if 12 linked units are installed. The company is also eager to set up a Research and Development (R&D) unit at Ahmedabad for developing bricks made from thermocol.

Gujarat government took lead in use of renewable energy generation by setting up 600 MW Solar Plant at Charanka in North Gujarat, against all odds. The state government has also engaged students of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to work on canal-top micro turbines for hydro power generation.

The government has also invited experts to produce hybrid powers involving solar, wind and hydro powers. “We want to invite experts and industries to work on innovative methods of producing green energy. We would like to learn the best practices from across the globe and implement them in Gujarat,” said an official in the state Industries department.